The average summer day is likely filled with fun activities and happenings, from motorcycle rides to family reunions to fireworks to sporting events. Most of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but there are some that do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. Over time, the loud noises that come with some of these experiences can cause irreversible hearing damage. This hearing damage could be the result of anything from the roar of a motorcycle engine to the booms of a fireworks display.
Over time, extremely loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a consequence, you experience hearing loss. Noise-related hearing loss is effectively irreversible.
Even though this type of hearing loss has no cure, it can be successfully managed. Over the long run, you can protect your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy your summer fun and protect your hearing health.
Is it really that loud during the summer?
Summer may be one of those times of year in which noise risks are easiest to overlook. Here are some of the most prevalent and also most dangerous:
- Loud concerts: Even outdoor concerts present substantial risks to your hearing health. These events are, after all, meant to be really loud.
- Fireworks events: Many places have fireworks displays every month or more during the summer. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday celebrations to sporting events, fireworks shows are everywhere during the summer months. Regrettably, fireworks are incredibly loud and can definitely cause damage to your hearing.
- Routine lawn care: Included in this category are chainsaws, weed wackers, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers. The powerful motors in most of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. It’s worth noting that purely electric motors are often quieter.
- Sporting events: Any time you’re in noisy crowds, you may increase your risk of noise damage (this can be even more prevalent at sporting events that feature motorized attractions, such as a Nascar race or monster truck rally).
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are ideal activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, tend to be quite loud. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing hazard increases.
- Driving: Going for a Sunday drive is incredibly popular, but the wind rushing through your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. This is particularly true if the sound happens for long periods without breaks.
In general, sounds above 85dB are considered to be harmful. This is about the range of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s important to take note of because these sounds might not feel particularly noisy. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t cause damage.
How can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss effects millions of individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-related hearing loss can happen at any age. Prevention is significant for this precise reason. Some of the most effective prevention strategies include the following:
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Making use of disposable earplugs might not be as reliable as customized earplugs but, in a pinch, they’re better than no protection at all. An inexpensive pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant damage if you find yourself in a noisy setting all of a sudden.
- Get your hearing checked: Sometimes, hearing loss sneaks up on you quite slowly. Many individuals won’t notice the symptoms for months or years. Getting your hearing checked can help you identify whether you have noise-induced hearing loss. We will help you understand how to keep your hearing healthy for years to come and discuss treatment options for any hearing loss you may already have.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: The louder the environment, the more you should regulate your time. Your ears can be protected from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, go to a quieter spot every thirty minutes or so.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply decreasing the volume on your devices. When everything is loud all the time, damage can progress more quickly.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how rapidly sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone volume. At these volume levels, even your headphones or earbuds can quickly start damaging your ears. You can become more aware of when volume levels start to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs handy in case you can’t or are not willing to avoid specific loud situations. When you’re in locations that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. This can help prevent damage. Custom hearing protection devices tailored to your ears and your hearing can be especially effective.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): If you attended a loud fireworks display, make sure your next day is a quiet one. Additional and more substantial damage can be prevented by giving your ears a chance to rest and recover.
Noise-related hearing loss is not unavoidable. Prevention strategies can help preserve your hearing. You can safeguard your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the correct approach.
Begin your journey towards better hearing by contacting us for an appointment.